Author: mindyqs

I have, after almost a year of writing, finished the first draft of my first fiction novel. Time to pop the champagne and have a celebratory dinner out. But I’m not as thrilled as you would think. Sure, I am happy. And I’m proud of myself. This took a lot of my time and effort … More The Book It’s Meant to Be – Thoughts on my First Draft

I have a new article up at AFineParent.com. This one is all about how raising your kids to be competent adults by giving them responsibility now. Not only is this article full of great research, but it give you a little view into my family life. Here I am. Folding laundry. The ball and … More 4 Life Skills That Will Teach Kids How to Shoulder Responsibility

I’m a bit late on this, but lateness seems to be one of my main characteristics recently. I am late for lunches out, late to appointments, late in getting my children to bed. I’m just late. I am also late in my own personal deadlines for this book I’m working on. I am writing a … More Lateness and Effort in Writing

This summer has sucked for writing. Absolutely sucked. I have gotten nothing done. I wanted to have a draft of my book finished by the end of this month, but I am miles away from that now. I’m trying to write today, but am finding it impossible. Why? The kids. The house. The garden. I … More Summer Writing

I was watching a re-run of the Foo Fighters singing on Carpool Karaoke and I started to get all nostalgic. Not because of the Nirvana connection. You see, Dave Grohl saved my marriage. It was eons ago. Probably 2BC. BC = Before Children. We didn’t have kids, but I wanted them. I wanted it badly. … More Dave Grohl Saved My Marriage

Okay. Today I’m trying to be hands off, yet supportive with my kids. It’s easier with one than the other and that has to do with how much confidence I have in their competence. And that is my fault. Backing up, I went to an incredible talk by Jessica Lahey, the amazing author of The … More Hands Off, Yet Supportive

So, usually I only post links to my own articles. When I link to someone else it’s because I think their content is pretty darn excellent. Today I’m linking to the 2018 Positive Parenting Conference. I’ve been working on the fringes of it so you’ll see my face if you scroll waaaaaaaayyyy down to the … More Need a Parenting Expert?? How about 20!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sailaway from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain